Egyptian authorities refused the request of Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani to enter the Gaza Strip following Operation Pillar of Defense, according to Iranian media outlet Mashriq News.
Larijani was visiting the region in late November and planned to stop in Gaza, according to the report, but his request to pass through the Rafah crossing that connects Egypt to the Strip was denied.
Iran’s foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, also requested permission to visit Gaza, reported Ynet, but has yet to receive a reply from Cairo.
Leaders of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist groups publicly thanked Iran after the end of the 8-day Israeli offensive against Gaza last month, during which Iranian-made Fajr missiles were fired at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Israel considers Iran to be its most dangerous enemy and has long accused the Islamic Republic of funneling weapons into the Strip.
Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition
by email and never miss our top stories
By signing up, you agree to the
terms
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Responsibly covering this tumultuous time
As The Times of Israel’s political correspondent, I spend my days in the Knesset trenches, speaking with politicians and advisers to understand their plans, goals and motivations.
I'm proud of our coverage of this government's plans to overhaul the judiciary, including the political and social discontent that underpins the proposed changes and the intense public backlash against the shakeup.
Your support through The Times of Israel Community helps us continue to keep readers across the world properly informed during this tumultuous time. Have you appreciated our coverage in past months? If so, please join the ToI Community today.
~ Carrie Keller-Lynn, Political Correspondent
Yes, I'll join
Yes, I'll join
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this